Kenai Golf Report:It's a great time for golf

Posted: Wednesday, May 14, 2003

By Rita Botelho

The golfers at Kenai Golf Course are excited about the condition of the course this early in the season. The greens have been slit seeded and sanded and are coming along. The watering crew is pouring it on and it is obviously working.

Mixed Doubles

The mixed doubles weekly event starts 6:30 p.m. each Monday. Call in your tee times that start at 6:30 p.m., 6:40 p.m., etc. This week the team of Judy and Rob Salo ended on top by taking the "mystery hole." Judy also was all smiles as she related she had carded her best score on the Kenai Golf Course thus far. Judy shot a 46 on the front nine. Congratulations Judy and good golfing to you this season!

With the new course ratings and slope ratings, the gals will definitely have an easier time out on the fairways. The course is indeed much friendlier to the gals. These are exciting times at the Kenai Golf Course.

Ladies Night

Ladies are encouraged to play each Tuesday starting at 6 p.m. The format may vary to take all skill levels into consideration. However, it is still a no pressure, just for fun evening of golf for all skill levels. Ladies, treat your self to an evening out on the golf course.

Kenai Cup

Applications are still being taken for the Wednesday Kenai Cup match play competition. Matches start on June 4 at 5:45 p.m. The fee is $80 per team. All participants must be members of the Kenai Golf Association and maintain a current handicap. The tournament committee will attempt to honor requests to change tee times if possible. The tournament is limited to the first 32 entries received.

Men's Night

There was a four-way tie for the first night of the weekly Men's Night event. The teams carding 2-under included: the team of Jack Evans, Alan Sabin, Norton Dablemont and Karl Liedes; the team of Mark Azzara, Todd Eskelin, Don Wright and Terry James; the team of Billy Applewhite, Keith Stuart, Zach Hoosier and Jeff Johns; and the team of Eddie Sibolboro, Dana Bassel, Paul Nelson and James Grant.

The format for this Thursday will be a Cross-Country format. Golfers will play holes in a different sequence. Maps will be at the desk.

Junior Golf

The first session of the Junior Golf program at Kenai Golf Course will start on June 3. Please sign up interested juniors 8 to 17 years of age before the session starts. Sign-up sheets are in the clubhouse or just call in to add your junior's name to the list. Sessions include five days of instruction and five days of playing on the course. Range balls and clubs are included. All skill levels are welcome. Cost is $50 per golfer.

Upcoming Events

On May 31, a Partners Game or tournament will take place. Teams of two golfers will play 6 scramble holes, 6 best ball holes and 6 scotch doubles holes. Tee times will be used for all teams. Sign-up slips are in the clubhouse. The entry is $74 per team.

A Birdie Told Me

This week Bob Farrell eagled No. 8 from 150 yards out. Bob was on the No. 9 fairway when he hit his shot that found the cup. What a way to recover! Congratulations for a great shot!

Also heard Kenai golfer Max Pate spent 10 weeks in Arizona this winter. Max managed to play on 22 different courses during his stay in the Mesa area. Sounds like a golfer's dream vacation. Max has a son who collects course scorecards and Max certainly added to his collection.

Closing Thoughts

This is an incredible time for golfers! The clubs have been dusted off, soft spikes have been tightened, golf bags have been stocked and rearranged. The course is looking great for this time of the season. What else can Alaskan golfers ask for? A little rain would be a treat for the fairways.